Edward A. "Bud" Zahradnicek, 86, lifetime Sheridan resident passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Westview Health Care Center.

He was born January 31, 1928 in Sheridan to Edward Antone Sr. and Gladys (Salveson) Zahradnicek. Bud graduated from Sheridan High School in 1948 and went on to serve two years in the Navy. Bud served in the US Navy during WWII, on both the U.S.S. Dixie and the San Marcus, where he was part of the first Atomic bomb test on the Bikini Atoll.

He married Donna Routh in 1956. He later married Jeannine Frickey in 1978.

Bud worked for the railroad and the Sheridan V.A. Hospital before going to work for M.D.U., where he retired after 31 years of service as a power plant operator. During that time, he worked at the Acme Power plant, the Turbine plant in Miles City, Montana and then back to Sheridan.

His hobbies included spending all of the time he could in the mountains and on excavations with the Archeological Society, where he worked on the Fort Phil Kearney site after retiring. He also loved music and playing his guitar, as well as fixing things and electronics.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Donna, granddaughter Heather Kosine, and brother in law Jim Miller, of Hardin, Montana.

Bud is survived by his wife, Jeannine; son, Brian (Chris) Zahradnicek of Billings, Montana; daughter, Judy (David) Roberts of Dayton, Wyoming; stepsons, Steve (Maggie) Apperson of Story, Wyoming, Steven Campbell of North Carolina and Larry (Pat) Routh of Sheridan; his sisters, Vivian Miller of Hardin, Montana and Letha Kegerreis of Sheridan, Wyoming; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to, Wyoming Archeological Society. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted with Champion Funeral Home.

The Sheridan Press - Jan. 27, 2015.